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With the Pelicans season officially over, we begin our look back at each individual player’s season and recap what we learned and where they stand with the Pelicans moving forward.
Overview
Considering how JJ Redick’s career started in Orlando, it’s incredible to see where he is at age 35 in the NBA. Through his first three seasons, Redick played just 2,009 minutes combined while attempting 320 three-pointers and hitting 122.
This season in New Orleans, which was still a shortened one, Redick played 1,581 minutes and hit 180 three-pointers on 397 attempts. Even by the lofty standards Redick has set in his career, this season was especially incredible.
His 45.3% three-point percentage was the second-best mark in his career. His effective field goal percentage of 59.6% was a career-best mark. His true shooting percentage was a career-high 64.4%, his offensive box plus-minus of 2.3 was the fourth-best mark of his career and it all came on a career-high three-point rate of .629.
An underrated aspect of his season was that he performed at that level despite him moving in and out of the starting lineup, particularly early in the season as the team battled injuries and inconsistencies. As one of the only shooters on the team this season, his efficiency was sorely needed and he delivered at a high level.
What was learned?
Redick did what he’s always done in his career this season. That doesn’t, however, make it any less impressive. Take a glance at his Synergy profile, for example.
Redick is a known commodity. Through his years in the league, he’s been able to build a Rolodex of information on how to exploit every type of defense he sees. The versatility in his play types is a testament to the many ways he can manipulate defenses.
In lieu of breaking down what Redick did this season – make long shots at a high rate and volume – here’s a look at some specific Synergy stats to marvel at Redick’s season instead.
- On guarded catch-and-shoots, Redick shot 50% on 88 attempts, ranking in the 97th percentile
- Only four players had more possessions coming off screens than Redick: Orlando’s Terrence Ross, Brooklyn’s Joe Harris, Sacramento’s Buddy Hield and Utah’s Bojan Bogdanovic. None of those matched or exceeded Redick’s points per possession mark of 1.104.
- In transition, Redick took 120 field goals. Though not all of those were three-pointers, he shot 51.7% in those situations.
- Redick finished in the 94th percentile in offense derived at of pick and rolls when he was the ballhandler
Redick has developed his game to the point that he can hurt teams in a variety of ways. This season was a clinic in how shooters can be effective in many ways for teams in the modern NBA outside of spot-up scenarios.
What does the future hold?
In terms of player development, there’s little more you can expect a 35-year old to improve at. His role with the Pelicans likely won’t change either. It seems most likely that he will be the team’s sixth man off the bench, though he could still yet be apart of a closing lineup that would feature Zion Williamson at center.
In an ideal scenario, he would be one of many three-point threats on the team next season. His ability to space the floor opens up driving lanes for Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
If things go particularly awry next season, Redick at the very least would be a terrific trade chip that would net them a nice return from a contender.
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